AUGUSTA (AP) – High-energy drinks sold under names such as “No Fear” and “Rock Star” are being targeted by a state legislator from Allagash, who says they pack too much of a punch for minors.
Rep. Troy Jackson wants to ban the sale of the most heavily caffeinated products to minors under 18 and fine first-time violators $50. Fines would double to $100 for the second violation and $500 for any subsequent offenses.
The bill applies to energy drinks with 80 or more milligrams of caffeine per 8 ounces.
Jackson, a Democrat, said he’s not opposed to caffeine in moderation, but believes that some youths are drinking the products with no idea of how much caffeine they contain.
Some store owners in Jackson’s northern Maine district have told him that teenagers “come in and buy two, three drinks each, so they could go guzzle them,” he said. “They felt it wasn’t good for the kids, but they couldn’t say ‘No, I can’t sell it to you.”‘
Jackson’s view is shared by public health advocates, who say the sugar content in some products is just as troubling as the caffeine levels. Educators say that the drinks over-stimulate students and make them act out.
However, teenagers who toss back the drinks before study groups, parties and athletic meets say the proposed restrictions as unnecessary. And industry groups such as the American Beverage Association say it’s unfair to focus on energy drinks when most have no more, and in some cases less, caffeine than a cup of coffee.
A 16-oz. can of Monster Energy, for example, contains 160 milligrams of caffeine, compared to 330 milligrams in a 16-ounce cup of Starbucks coffee.
“There’s no scientific basis for this legislation,” said Rodney Sacks, chief executive officer of Hansen Beverage Company, which makes Monster. “It’s an emotional issue.”
California is considering labeling energy drinks as potentially harmful, especially for pregnant women, because of the caffeine content. France and Denmark already have banned the sale of Red Bull, one of the first energy drinks to arrive on the market and now one of the top-selling in the world. Jackson’s bill would not cover Red Bull.
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Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://www.pressherald.com
AP-ES-02-19-08 0833EST
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